Announcing the move, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh said GNDU approves Punjabi-first policy to reconnect universities with society. He stressed that knowledge should reach people in a language they understand easily. Therefore, the university will now encourage stronger links between research and the wider community.

Under the new policy, GNDU will require PhD theses, dissertations, and funded research to be submitted in both English and Punjabi (Gurmukhi). As a result, academic work will remain globally accessible while becoming locally meaningful. Importantly, the university will assess Punjabi submissions for clarity and accuracy without penalising stylistic differences.

Moreover, the policy will benefit students from rural, border, and first-generation backgrounds. Research in agriculture, health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship will also reach a broader audience across Punjab.

To support implementation, GNDU will develop Punjabi academic glossaries, writing guides, and a dedicated Academic Support Unit. In addition, a bilingual digital research repository will improve access to knowledge.

The policy will roll out in phases over three years. It aligns closely with the National Education Policy 2020. From the next academic session, GNDU will reaffirm its commitment to inclusion, culture, and academic excellence.

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